Are there any projects you’re currently working on that you would like to tell us something about?
I have a few projects going on at the moment. One of them is a series of Rolex watches with an array of graffiti design throughout. Finishing up a few new themed series, titled “Harmful if Followed” and “Artificially Favored” each are both riddled with all new intricately cut stencils. I'm also currently working on another solo show here in Las Vegas.
You sold your first painting aged only 14. Did your artistic vision change throughout the years, and if so, how?
My vision hasn't changed much. I still paint the same subjects. I'm just getting better at my craft. I continue to refine my technique and sharpen my skill but my vision is still keen.
What is it about comic books and pop culture that inspires you so much?
As a kid, I wanted to draw comics so bad I sent a letter to Marvel Comics Group. They actually sent me a packet on how to draw comics. Included were technical outlines and instructions on the process of comic book writing, illustrating and publishing. I was thrilled to have received a response and started drawing superheroes right away. Growing up in the 80's was a huge influence on me. Star Wars was probably my first movie as a kid and I loved collecting baseball cards. I would skate around the city and buy packs of baseball cards, a guitar magazine, then skate over to a comic shop and browse through all the art. In high school I drove a canary yellow 57 Chevy and thought I was James Dean. Even though I loved the attention of friends I was sort of a loner. I would play guitar, draw funny pictures of my friends and listen to Nirvana all day. All I wanted was to be in a band or act in movies. I grew up with pop culture and have always expressed the very subject in my work. I enjoy creating Pop Art and I enjoy the following I have generated.
- Do you think platforms like Catawiki helps making your work accessible to a wider audience?
- I can remember hearing that old saying, “starving artist.” I don’t think that expression is thrown around as much anymore. The internet and technology has opened doors for a lot of artists; and online auction houses such as Catawiki have definitely helped me as an artist gain momentum in the art world.
- If you could hang out for a day with someone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
- It’s very hard to answer that considering just one person but right now at this very moment I would have to say Samuel Langhorne Clemens. He was better known as Mark Twain. He was a writer, humorist, entrepreneur, and just a very interesting man. Even his jokes were full of wisdom. I think it would be a witty and comical experience to say the least.
- What do you feel your job as an artist is?
- To convey a message, even if the message is irrelevant or taboo. I ask myself all the time, do I push the envelope? Do I paint for the people? Do I paint for myself? It’s obviously a balance of all the above and so much more.
- Is there a series or a piece of art you feel the proudest of?
- No, not yet. Most artists have that one piece they are proud of or identified by. Some artists are even known for a style. I’ll admit it right here and now, I don’t feel as though I’ve made anything that is worthy of being “proud” of. I’ve been painting for over 25 years and I haven’t even started yet. I’m still learning, discovering and evolving. As soon as I find the piece I’m most proud of I’ll quit painting and take up something else. (Will never happen).
If you want to see more of Dillon Boy’s work, keep an eye on him here. You might also want to check out our weekly International Street Art / Urban auction!